Rose State Live, a series of concerts sponsored annually by Rose State College, offers a mix of local and national entertainment. This year The Great Performances series showcases dynamic Oklahoma artists. With performances ranging from Latin American chamber music to bluegrass, to modern dance, there is an eclectic mix that highlights the diverse talent of this state.

The Rose State College Performing Arts Theatre will be the site of the premier performance of newly formed percussion ensemble, Drum Engine, on Feb. 9. This high-energy group was formed by Dr. David Steffens. Steffens is principal percussionist of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. He is a recording artist, clinician, educator and champion of new music who has directed the percussion program at the Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University since 1997. Drum Engine was formed to educate, enlighten and entertain. Take a musical journey with them and you will find yourself surprised at all the things you can do with percussion instruments. The world of percussion is far bigger than you would believe!

The Hartel Dance Group comes to Rose on April 13. The group pushes the boundaries of the human body through its intriguing performances. Prominent dancer Austin Hartel recently founded the contemporary dance troupe. Hartel’s enthralling choreography has captured audiences around the world with its hypnotic and enticing movements and shapes. He has created works for more than 20 years, winning numerous awards for his compositions. He danced for five years with the legendary Pilobolus Dance Theater. Hartel continues to choreograph spellbinding works through the new dance troupe. The group’s performance will showcase the joy and passion of the contemporary American art form.

Tickets for the performances may be purchased at the Performing Arts Theatre box office located at I-40 and Hudiburg Drive between the hours of 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday-Friday. Tickets may also be purchased through the Civic Center box office at 405-297-2264 or online at www.myticketoffice.com. There is abundant free parking with easy access right of I-40.